FINALLY. AN UPDATE.
Sorry for the long wait guys!
I do not own KHR.
Cries of the Heart, Echoes of the Night
Chapter Thirteen: Targets
"Self defense classes?" Ketsui echoed, looking faintly bewildered at the thought of Tsuna beating people to a pulp with his fiery fists. "Why would you need those?"
"I don't need them," Tsuna sighed, rubbing his head tiredly as he walked beside his friend. "But Mom thinks I should know some self defense."
"How come?" Ketsui questioned, furrowing her brows. "Is someone threatening you? Because I can—"
"No, no, no." Tsuna waved off her theory, smiling slightly. "It's just the recent attacks going on at Namimori make her think I need to know these."
Ketsui felt herself grow more alert. So what Kusakabe said hadn't been just an overreaction. People were getting targeted.
"But it's only Disciplinary Committee members," Tsuna said tiredly, shaking his head. "Not the students."
"Ketsui," Reborn's squeaky voice began, and Ketsui blinked, turning her head to the small hitman. "Aren't you on the Disciplinary Committee?"
...
...
...
"Hieee! Ketsui!" Tsuna exclaimed, turning to his friend in shock and realization. "That's right!" His eyes glanced to the band around her arm for conformation. "I forgot!"
"I'm just the secretary." Ketsui answered calmly, casting the smirking Reborn a side glare. "What would they want with me?"
"But the Disciplinary Committee members are the ones being attacked!" Tsuna continued, his eyes growing worried. "Maybe you need these classes more than me..."
Ketsui felt a smile play upon her lips. Tsuna was just too good for her sometimes. "I think I can handle it. What would they want with the girl who signs papers?"
Tsuna's face remained worried as they continued walking, and Ketsui offered him another reassuring smile. "Besides, if anything, I'm the one who should be protecting you, Tsuna."
"Eh?" Tsuna questioned, blinking slightly in confusion. "That doesn't really seem right..."
"Look." Reborn commented, his voice slightly curious as he gazed to the front entrance of the school.
Tsuna and Ketsui glanced up, spotting the Disciplinary members crowding around the front gates as guards. Ketsui brushed the strap slung around her, securing the violin case to her back, her body tensing slightly.
"It's the Disciplinary Committee," Tsuna murmured, looking surprised.
"After all those incidents, tensions must be high." Reborn commented, examining the sight before him.
"So it is being done by people with a grudge against the Disciplinary Committee?" Tsuna questioned, glancing back to Ketsui worriedly.
"No."
Tsuna whipped his head around in surprise while Ketsui went rigid. Her body beginning to shake slightly as she slowly turned her head to the sound of the cool voice.
"H-Hibari-san!" Tsuna exclaimed, his eyes growing wide with fear as his face grew pale.
"Ciaossu." Reborn greeted, unaffected.
Ketsui remained silent, scooting just a bit closer to Tsuna and glancing the other way, her face slightly pale.
"Hello there, baby." Hibari greeted before turning his steely gaze towards Ketsui.
"Um, we're just on our way to school..." Tsuna began nervously, backing away as Hibari slowly approached. "We weren't bad mouthing you or anything..."
"I have no memory of such mischief." Hibari answered coldly. "Of course, I intend to protect myself by extinguishing the root of the threat."
Hibari's eyes flickered over to Ketsui again, his gaze trailing down to the band still pinned securely to her arm. Ketsui caught his gaze and blinked at the odd flicker in his eyes for a brief moment.
"Herbivore."
Ketsui went rigid. "W-What?"
Hibari's eyes narrowed as he gazed down at her. Ketsui met his gaze challengingly, though her legs shook under the urge to sprint away from his demonic aura. She always hated how he was somehow able to intimidate her, but she couldn't help it. He was Hibari.
The frightening purple aura did not come from him this time though. In fact, he seemed rather...pleased?
"If you choose to wear that," Hibari began calmly, his voice devoid of emotion. "Watch yourself."
Ketsui blinked.
Was Hibari telling her to be careful? Could the situation be that bad?
Hibari's eyes sharpened and his whipped a tonfa out, whirling around and slashing behind him. There was a grunt of surprise and Tsuna's eyes widened. "Dr. Shamal!"
As the doctor slumped to the floor, the female student he had been 'terrorizing' let out a scream, quickly running off.
"Ow..." Dr. Shamal grimaced, sitting up and turning to Hibari. "What was that for?"
"I sensed malicious intent," Hibari answered flatly. "I suppose it was my imagination."
"That doesn't mean you should just randomly attack me," Dr. Shamal muttered, rubbing the back of his head. "Scary guy. Man, that hurts."
Ketsui glanced out of the corner of her eye, watching Hibari begin to walk away when he paused. Her brows furrowed as he touched his neck, a slightly confused look flittering across his features as a buzzing was faintly heard.
Her gaze snapped the Dr. Shamal and she narrowed her eyes. Had he done something?
She felt Tsuna let out a sigh of relief beside her, and her attention instantly turned to him. Tsuna then glanced over to Shamal. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh...I've heard there've been attacks recently." Shamal began, a pleasant smile on his face. "I figured I should protect the girls."
"You're the danger to them..." Tsuna sweat dropped.
"Hovering over green...From Namimori...Lain with verdure..."
"Ah," Ketsui blinked. "Isn't that our school song?"
"Where's it coming from?" Tsuna questioned, glancing about in confusion.
The two finally paused, slowly turning behind them as Hibari's back faced them. His hand went into his pocket and pulled out his cellphone, putting it to his ear.
"How fitting..." Ketsui muttered; sweat dropping slightly at the sight. "He doesn't make everyone in the Disciplinary Committee do that, right?"
"Oh, I see." Hibari answered to the phone before turning back to the two. "Wasn't Ryohei Sasagawa an acquaintance of yours?"
The image of the white haired boxer flashed in Ketsui's mind as she turned to Hibari, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. Tsuna blinked, looking surprised. A chill suddenly crept along Ketsui's spine and she braced herself. This call wasn't just some friendly reminder.
"They got him."
"Big Brother! Are you all right?" Tsuna exclaimed, shoving open the hospital door and making his way to Ryohei's bed. Ketsui followed at his heels, her eyes silently assessing the damage done to the boxer.
"Oh, it's you, Sawada." Ryohei grinned through the bandages. "It's a little pathetic but he got me."
"Hieee! Why did this happen to you?" Tsuna cried, putting his hands to his head as he looked at Ryohei in horror.
"How are you doing?" Reborn questioned, and Ryohei brought a hand to his chest.
"I've got a few broken bones. Even though I had my guard down, he was a fearsome man." Ryohei answered, rubbing his chest lightly.
"You saw the culprit?" Tsuna questioned immediately, his eyes widening.
"Yeah. The uniforms are from Kukuyo Middle School, from the next town over." Ryohei explained, and if possible, Tsuna's eyes widened further.
"What? They're middle-schoolers?" He exclaimed, looking beyond shocked now.
"You be careful too, Sawada." Ryohei advised, turning to look at Tsuna.
"'You, too?' But I'm not involved in this." Tsuna explained, and Ketsui tilted her head slightly, her violin case shifting.
"But damn..." Ryohei muttered, looking back to the ceiling. "I wanted that guy's punch in my club!"
Ketsui felt a sigh of relief leave her, and the corner of her lips twitched upwards. If he was active enough to still worry about boxing, he would be fine.
Still.
"Is this yours?" Reborn questioned suddenly, bringing forth a golden pocket watch.
"No, I heard it was on my chest when they found me." Ryohei answered, blinking curiously. Reborn popped open the watch, staring at the motionless handles.
"Changing the subject," Ryohei began. "I haven't told Kyoko about this yet. She worries a lot. Please don't let this get out."
"Eh? But—" Tsuna began, only to be cut off as the door slid open, revealing a wide-eyed Kyoko as she ran into the room.
"Big Brother!" Kyoko cried, moving to her brother's bedside. "Why did you climb a bathhouse chimney?"
Ketsui sweat dropped, shaking her head in disbelief. The black haired girl caught onto the sudden change in atmosphere, giving Reborn a curt nod before slipping out of the room so Tsuna could talk to Kyoko.
They'd be cute together. Ketsui mused, settling back against the wall as she waited for Tsuna. I'll do my best to see it happen.
Familiar flashes of a creamy tan uniform caught her eye and Ketsui glanced up, surprised to see so many other students of Namimori here at the hospital. Her senses went high and she gazed out among the crowd, what were they all doing here?
Ketsui withheld a jump of surprise as the door slid open, a weary looking Tsuna exiting. Ketsui eyed his tired appearance carefully, shifting her shoulders to make the case on her back more comfortable.
"Tsuna—"
""You aren't the only one who is panicking, Tsuna." Reborn commented, observing the large gathering of Namimori students as well.
"Eh?" Tsuna began, walking down the hallway. "The hospital is full of people from school!"
Tsuna's gaze turned towards one room in particular and his eyes widened in further. "Mochida-senpai?"
"Hey, No-good Tsuna." A boy greeted a slightly fearful look on his face. Ketsui twitched at the name but resisted the urge to glare.
"What happened to Mochida-senpai?" Tsuna questioned. "Was he—"
"He was attacked by those guys." The boy answered, and Tsuna's face turned into one of fear.
"Mochida-senpai, too?" he exclaimed, his eyes widening.
"And that's not all." The boy continued, looking scared himself. "As of last night, three third years, four two years, and two first years have been attacked. None of them from the Disciplinary Committee."
"Not from the Disciplinary Committee?" Tsuna echoed, cringing at the news.
Ketsui twitched, her eyes narrowing slightly. Then that meant Tsuna was at risk too. It wasn't just her anymore.
"Namimori's middle-schoolers are being targeted!" The boy cried, a panicked look overtaking his features.
"I don't believe it!" Tsuna wailed. "Why is something so terrible happening?"
Namimori students...Ketsui felt her hackles rise. There were good kids at this school—innocent kids. People who've done nothing wrong. And they were being targeted and put in danger as well.
My priority is Tsuna. Ketsui stiffened, straightening up her back. But when I find out who's doing all of this...
There was a faint murmur throughout the crowd and Ketsui blinked, glancing to the side to spot Kusakabe and another Disciplinary member walking with him. The two seemed to be discussing something as the crowd parted.
"It's the vice chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Kusakabe-san." Tsuna murmured in slight awe, bowing his head downwards along with other students.
Ketsui arched a brow at the display, slight amusement bubbling at all the heads bowed down to the two. She locked eyes with Kusakabe and he gave her a curt nod, making his way past.
"Any sign of the chairman?"
"No, but I assume he's found a clue to where the enemy is. It's only a matter of time until the culprits are destroyed."
"Did you hear that?" The boy questioned, looking up when the two were gone.
"Yeah," A large, relieved grin overtook Tsuna's face. "Hibari-san went to go beat them up!"
"Hibari-san is invincible!" The boy agreed, a grin hitting his face as well. "We can relax now!"
"I'm so glad we're in the same school as Hibari-san!" Tsuna cried happily. "We're leaving the rest up to you, God! Hibari-sama!"
Ketsui couldn't stop the slight smile that touched her lips as she shook her head faintly, but an unfamiliar clench in her gut made her pause.
Hibari had gone out alone?
...Ah, he could handle it.
...Right?
Her brows furrowed and an unpleasant chill ran down her spine. Despite how strong she knew Hibari was, she couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen. And though she hated to admit it, Hibari wasn't invincible.
Hibari...
There was a barely audible plop and Tsuna let out a cry of surprise. "What's that?"
Ketsui blinked, crouching down to Reborn's level along with Tsuna as the baby hitman opened his palm, revealing a small green tail.
"Leon's tail was cut." Reborn answered calmly.
"Do chameleons lose their tails?" Tsuna muttered and Ketsui glanced up as Reborn looked up.
"This occurrence is...ominous." Reborn commented, a chill breezing through the room.
"It doesn't take a genius to figure that out." Ketsui grumbled, eyeing the distraught chameleon.
"Is he all right?" Tsuna inquired worriedly as the chameleon began to morph into different shapes.
"Leon keeps transforming into different things. With the loss of his tail, he can't control his shape." Reborn explained, holding the now ball-shaped Leon.
"W-What?" Tsuna exclaimed, looking surprised for the nearly the twentieth time that day.
"Out of the way!" Hurried voices cried. "Clear the way, now!"
"Is that the vice chairman?"
"They say he was attacked as soon as he left the hospital!"
Ketsui felt her back grow rigid and her head whirled around, eyes wide as they locked on the figure lying limp on the hospital bed. Her hair rose along the back of her neck and she watched as the bed moved, Kusakabe's pained face implanted fresh in her mind.
"He just left." Ketsui murmured, dark eyes wide. "We just saw him..."
"Take care of Leon." Reborn ordered, tossing the now umbrella shaped Leon to Tsuna as he went to the fallen Disciplinary Committee member.
"Hey, Reborn!" Tsuna cried, and Ketsui followed the baby as he leapt onto the fallen prefect's chest, taking hold of a golden pocket watch.
The same as Ryohei's. Ketsui's shoulders tensed. Kusakabe was just attacked, even after Hibari went out...
The girls' eyes widened and her hand shot up to grip the strap around her shoulder tightly, her free hand shaking. Then Hibari... No. Hibari should be okay...right?
Not good. Her eyes narrowed and her grip tightened. The danger of Tsuna getting hurt was increasing.
Reborn made his way back to them, eyeing the pocket watch. Tsuna's brows furrowed. "What are you doing?"
"There's no mistake." Reborn muttered. "They're trying to pick a fight with you."
Tsuna's eyes widened and Ketsui's mouth curled in a snarl defensively. "Picking a fight with me? What do you mean?"
"Look at this." Reborn answered, holding the pocket watch out.
Ketsui glanced down and eyed the hands and Tsuna's brows furrowed. "What's with the watch? It's stopped. Is it broken?"
"This watch was found on the recently-attacked Kusakabe." Reborn began, his voice calm but suspicious. "This is the one Sasagawa Ryohei had."
The two identical watches were held side by side. "And I hear the other ones had watches, too. One that was stopped at six o'clock."
"Six, five, four..." Tsuna trailed off, looking confused and Ketsui's eyes widened slightly.
"That's right. This is a countdown." Reborn concluded.
"What?" Tsuna exclaimed.
"A countdown to what?" Ketsui murmured, her fingers drumming along the violin strap. "Or for what?"
"That's when it came to me." Reborn began, holding up a paper. "Take a look at this."
Tsuna traded Leon with the paper and Ketsui peered over his shoulder, her brows furrowing as well as Tsuna scanned the paper. "Namimori Middle School Fighting Prowess Ranking? So what?"
"You're as dull as ever." Reborn muttered, shaking his head. "The order in which people were attacked and the order of the rankings—"
"Are the same." Ketsui concluded, her eyes widening in surprise.
"What? You're right. Wait, this ranking is—" Tsuna began and Reborn nodded.
"That's Fuuta's ranking."
Ketsui stiffened at the mention of the young boy. She hadn't seen him in several days, not long after the attacks started. The boy wouldn't have anything to do with these people, right?
"We mafia have a vow of silence called 'Omertá,', a rule to never leak the organization's secrets to outsiders." Reborn began, holding up the Leon Fuuta doll. "Fuuta's rankings are a secret for the entire mafia organization. There's no way an outsider could know. Meaning the only ones who can obtain this ranking are..."
Mafia? Ketsui questioned, feeling her lips twitch in a scowl. Why am I not surprised?
"Wait, that means if Number Four, Kusakabe-san, was attacked, then Number Three will be attacked next! Number Three...Number Three... I don't believe it!" Tsuna cried, clutching the paper in his hands. "What do we do Reborn?"
"This is getting dangerous." Reborn murmured, holding the transforming Leon. "You should go. I have to look into something."
"Me?" Tsuna exclaimed, gesturing wildly to himself. "Me?"
"I'm right behind you, Tsuna." Ketsui began quietly, offering him a reassuring smile. "No one's getting you on my watch."
"You should be careful, Ketsui." Reborn advised, looking up to the dark haired girl. "Look at the bottom of the list."
Tsuna's eyes shot downward and Ketsui followed stiffening slightly. "Number Zero...Ketsui Tatsudoshi? Hiee! Ketsui!" Tsuna whirled around to the quiet girl. "You're being targeted!"
Ketsui shrugged, ignoring the clench in her stomach. "So?"
"So? So?" Tsuna cried, beginning to herd the girl the other way. "You need to go home! You need to lock all your doors! Call the police! Barricade yourself inside! Ketsui you're in danger!"
"Nothing I can't handle." Ketsui shrugged, though she doubted her obvious lie. "Besides, it says Number Zero, what's that supposed to mean? I thought Fuuta's rankings only go to one?"
"I would still be careful." Reborn answered. "But you two better hurry."
"But Ketsui—"
"Will not leave Tsuna alone." Ketsui supplied, grabbing her friend's hand. "We should go Tsuna, as much as I hate the smelly dog, this is a chance to find out who the enemy is."
Ketsui eyes narrowed as Tsuna ran alongside her, puffing hard to reach the silverette.
And find out what they want.
"H-Hahi? Not a success?" A shrill voice cried and Ketsui blinked, glancing up from the fallen net to a surprised Haru, I-Pin, and Lambo.
"G-Guys?" Tsuna exclaimed, looking pale. "What is this?"
"I heard that your school was being targeted and is very dangerous." Haru explained, jogging over. "So I thought if we got to you first, then the bad guys would leave you alone!"
"That make no sense! I don't have time to fool around right now!" Tsuna cried, and Ketsui glanced down to the net she had nearly ripped to shreds with the sword she had pulled from her case, muttering a quiet "sorry".
"We're not fooling around!" Haru shot back, a worried look on her face. "Haru is serious!"
"Tsuna-san is safe now." I-Pin declared happily.
"Trash Monster ruined the plan!" Lambo cried, stomping his foot down.
"We need to go now, Haru!" Tsuna began, running past the three, Ketsui at his heels. "Sorry!"
"Tsuna-san!" Haru cried, and Ketsui pumped her feet harder, matching Tsuna's stride.
She blinked as he suddenly turned towards a phone booth, hastily grabbing the payphone and dialing in Gokudera's number. Ketsui shifted uneasily onto one foot, watching Tsuna carefully.
The boy's face turned into one of despair and Tsuna put his hands to his head. "I can't call Gokudera's phone at a time like this!"
"Look! It's a Namimori student."
"Keep walking we shouldn't get close to them."
Smart move. Ketsui growled, drumming her fingers along her case.
"I saw one at the shopping district too."
"A Namimori student fighting a Kukuyo student, right?"
Tsuna and Ketsui stiffened, glancing to each other as the two girls walked briskly past, sending them dirty glances.
It couldn't be...
Ketsui took off running, Tsuna close behind her. She wasn't worried for the dog. She wasn't.
But if Tsuna was worried, than she would worry too.
Stupid dog, don't die on me.
An explosion rocked beneath their feet and Ketsui's head shot up, squinting at the figure ahead as Tsuna's eyes widened. A bob of silver came into view and Tsuna shot ahead of her, and Ketsui eyed the area closely, her fingers on her case.
"Gokudera-kun!" Tsuna exclaimed, and Gokudera' head turned in surprise, his eyes widening.
"Tenth! Why are you here?" Gokudera questioned and Ketsui scowled, kicking him lighter than she'd normally do in the head.
"He was worried, idiot dog." Ketsui muttered, her eyes taking in the cuts and scrapes along his face and body. "Who did this to you?"
"Well, I... I came to tell you that you were being targeted by guys from Kukuyo Middle school." Tsuna answered, and Gokudera turned his scowl at Ketsui to an adoring smile at Tsuna.
"You came all the way here just to tell me?" Gokudera got up from where he sat and kneeled down. "I'm overjoyed. I just took him out!"
"Huh?" Tsuna exclaimed, and Gokudera glanced to his left.
"I just took him out right over there." Ketsui's eyes followed his gaze to the empty spot where it seemed bombs had gone off, smoke rising from the ground.
No one.
Her body grew tense and she loosened her hold on her case, letting it slide towards the edge of her shoulder so it would be easier to swing out. Gokudera's eyes widened and he glanced around, growing tense. "He's gone."
"You saved me the trouble."
Ketsui whirled around, her eyes wide as she instantly moved a bit in front of Tsuna, eyeing the bloodied teen before them.
The stranger's hair was a dark navy blue, his Kukuyo uniform torn and bloodied from the previous fight with Gokudera, and a white beanie resting atop his head. Ketsui caught sight of a barcode tattoo beneath his glasses and her body grew rigid at the yoyos clutched in both his hands.
A hand shot out and Ketsui shot forward at the distinct sound of projectiles leaving the yoyo. Without hesitation, she blocked the needles' path with her own body, bracing for the impact.
Her eyes widened when there was no impact, but a rough hand shoved her back, sending her tumbling into Tsuna. Ketsui stared in shock as Gokudera moved in front of the two, his back growing rigid for a second as his knees began to buckle.
"G-Gokudera-kun..." Tsuna began, and Ketsui moved off of Tsuna, the scent of blood hitting her nose.
"Tenth...Run..." Gokudera gasped out, his knees finally giving under him. Ketsui scrambled forward and winced at the heavy weight, lowering Gokudera to the floor gently.
Tsuna shot forward, shaking Gokudera's shoulder. "Gokudera-kun! Gokudera-kun! Are you alright? Gokudera-kun?"
Footsteps sounded and Ketsui's head shot upwards, her eyes narrowing and a cold glare met lavender eyes. The bloodied teen came to a ragged halt before them. "I'll break you, and then take you with me."
Like hell. Ketsui stood, her lips pulled back in a snarl as she glared coldly at the stranger, her shoulders tense. She could feel Tsuna trembling behind her, and no one was hurting him while she was around.
It was her duty after all.
The boy before them blinked, shifting onto his good leg as he kept his face blank. "Ketsui...Tatsudoshi."
Ketsui remained stiff, keeping a cold glare on the boy. His eyes watched her calmly. "We have orders not to hurt you, but I suppose it may be inevitable."
We? Is he talking about me being on the list? Ketsui tilted her chin up, a dangerous glint coming into her eyes. "No one touches, Tsuna."
The boy let out a visible sigh and brought up his yoyo, a sharp glint flashing through his eyes as well. "How troublesome."
The sharp needles fell harmlessly to the ground, and the boy's face remained blank as Ketsui clutched her violin case. The black haired girl shot forward and swung the case around in an arch, bringing it down in the spot the boy had just been.
She leapt to the side as the yoyo whipped by her face, and a hiss left her lips as several needles imbedded themselves into her shoulder. Her vision grew hazy for a moment but she fought it off, whirling around and unclasping her case, pulling out whatever she could find.
Her fingers gripped the rugged hilt and she twisted the knife in her hands, shouldering her case to the side like a shield and charging forward, turning the small blade to its blunt edge and swinging down on him.
Another yoyo shot past her and she ducked, a needle barely cutting her cheek. She felt a trickle of blood drip down the side but she ignored it, rolling over and swiping once more at him.
Despite his heavy injuries, he seemed to be able to keep up, but she felt her knife knick his leg as he moved to slowly to dodge. He couldn't keep this up forever.
The yoyo shot past her once more and she easily ducked, twisting around to move when she caught sight of Tsuna fear stricken face as the yoyo kept going.
Ketsui's eyes widened and she shot forward, feeling the thin string slice through her palm as she jerked it backwards. The yoyo reeled back from the tug and she grimaced, feeling a couple needles hit her side.
"Let's get this over with." The boy muttered, jerking both his yoyos out. Ketsui's stood tall in front of Tsuna making sure to block any attack coming his way.
Tsuna let out a surprised cry and a hand slinked around her waist, tugging Ketsui downwards to the floor. Her head shot up and she spotted a carefree grin.
"We've slid over home plate, safe and sound!"
"Yamamoto!" Tsuna exclaimed, and the baseball player grinned, glancing down at the two of them.
"I was walking by and heard the ruckus. And..." Yamamoto began, his grin suddenly leaving his face as his eyes narrowed, glancing over to the fallen Gokudera. "What's happening isn't good."
Honey-amber eyes met Ketsui's dark ones as Yamamoto's gaze traveled downwards, taking in every wound and the pool of blood beginning to seep through her uniform. Yamamoto's gaze darkened and a silently furious look overtook his usually playful features.
Ketsui was momentarily stunned by this show of emotion, her body stiffening in surprise. Yamamoto usually never seemed mad, the carefree athlete always seemed happy. And seeing him now...Ketsui had to admit to the trickle of fear and pity she felt for whoever was at the end of the gaze.
"You're in the way." The boy muttered, his yoyo shooting outwards. Yamamoto's eyes narrowed and he swung his bat around, slamming the projectiles to the ground.
I could've sworn...Ketsui's eyes widened. Was that a sword just now?
"Yamamoto! Since when did you start carrying a bat around?" Tsuna exclaimed in surprise and the stranger's eyes widened a fraction before returning to their blank state.
"You're Namimori Middle School, 1-A, roll sheet number fifteen, Yamamoto Takeshi."
"What of it?" Yamamoto answered, his voice ice cold, a deep contrast from its normally light tone.
"Hey! What're you guys doing over there?" Ketsui's head turned towards the sound of feet running, but Yamamoto's remained unchanging on the stranger.
"You're Ken's target." The boy muttered, fixing his glasses. "Fighting you would be a pain."
Without another word, the stranger began to limp away, not sparing a glance back. Ketsui watched him go; making a mental note on the trail of blood he left for later. Her gaze turned towards the limp silverette and she clenched her hands into fists.
People were going to pay.
"Ah! I'm such a moron! I just got in his way! I shouldn't have come!" Tsuna cried, clutching his head in his hands.
Ketsui looked down at Tsuna softly, gently ruffling his hair. "Nothing was your fault Tsuna. If anything, things could've turned out a lot worst if we hadn't shown up."
"But Ketsui!" Tsuna protested, looking up at her, worry clear in his eyes. "You got hurt too!"
Ketsui glanced down at the bandages wrapped around her arm and side, having switched out her tattered uniform for a spare change of clothes she kept in her case. She tugged down at her jacket and shook her head, smiling softly at Tsuna. "I'm fine though, barely a scratch."
"You should've let Dr. Shamal look at you." Tsuna murmured, his eyes watching her carefully as she sat down beside him, leaning against the door.
"I've been in scrapes before." Ketsui answered. "I can at least do some basic first aid. Even if things got really bad, I'd rather bleed to death than let him get his dirty paws on me."
"K-Ketsui..." Tsuna began; sweat dropping at the pleasant look on his friends face. "You should go home and rest—ask Yamamoto to walk you home! You're on their list remember? They're after you too and—"
"And I have no intention of leaving you to the wolves." Ketsui answered curtly, nodding her head as she grinned at her friend, the show of emotion only for him. "I'm here to make sure you don't get hurt after all."
"But I don't want you to get hurt!" Tsuna exclaimed and Ketsui flinched, eyeing Tsuna in faint surprise at the sudden rise of volume in his voice. "Ketsui, this is dangerous!"
Though a warm feeling enveloped her, Ketsui stubbornly shook her head, casting Tsuna a reassuring smile. "I'll be careful. I promise."
"Ketsui..." Tsuna began, still looking displeased with the idea of his friend getting involved farther. "You don't understand. You're not invincible! You need to stay away from these people—"
"What's this? A lover's quarrel?"
"R-Reborn!" Tsuna exclaimed, a blush enveloping his cheeks. "This isn't—We're not—gah! What are you doing at a time like this anyway?"
"I was investigating a prison break that happened in Italy." Reborn answered, leaping down from the Leon-web and looking up at Tsuna.
Ketsui's ears twitched at this newfound information, knowing full well Reborn didn't just look into things without a purpose.
"Prison break?" Tsuna echoed, looking down at Reborn in surprise.
"Yes. A prison break occurred at a prison meant to hold dangerous Mafioso who have committed grave crimes." Reborn explained. "The one leading the prison break was a young man named Mukuro. And they say he came to Japan with two subordinates."
Mukuro. Ketsui played with the name in her mind, feeling the foreboding ring along with it. She jotted down the name in her mind and kept her eyes focused on Reborn, a slow idea starting to form in her head.
"And suddenly, three students have enrolled in Kukuyo Middle School as returning students." Reborn continued, and Tsuna's eyes widened. "And as soon as they enrolled, he took control of all the school's 'hoodlums' and became their leader. His name is Rokudo Mukuro."
There it is. Ketsui mused grimly. Reborn was without a doubt superior when it came to finding things out. But this all fell together well enough for her.
"The same guy who broke out of prison?" Tsuna cried, looking scared. "Does that mean we're fighting against the mafia?"
"It's the opposite." Reborn answered, causing Ketsui to look at him in faint surprise. "They were thrown out of the mafia."
Ketsui had expected it to be mafia related, since that was what's been causing all the trouble in Tsuna's life. The idea of her assumption being wrong brought a curious thought to her mind.
If it wasn't the mafia, was it someone with a grudge against them then? But what would that have to do...
Ketsui's eyes traveled to Tsuna and she felt her lips pull back into a grim frown. Oh.
"What's going to happen to me?" Tsuna wailed, putting his head in his hands.
"Nothing." Ketsui answered confidently, her gaze warm on her friend. "With me around, I'll make sure nothing bad will happen to you."
"That's nice, Ketsui." Tsuna sighed, smiling at his friend. "But who's going to protect you? They want you too!"
"You'll just have to defeat Mukuro, then." Reborn answered simply and Ketsui twitched, the thought of Tsuna going head to head with an enemy twisting her gut nervously.
"Don't be stupid!" Tsuna exclaimed, shaking his head furiously. "There's no way I could ever beat guys like him!"
"Then who'll protect Ketsui? And your family? These people have a bone to pick with you." Reborn prodded, causing Tsuna's eyes to widen at the thought.
Ketsui caught his eyes glancing back to Gokudera's door and she took a deep breath. "Ketsui will protect herself, along with Tsuna and anyone else he wants protected."
Reborn let out a small hum. "Are you that confident in your capabilities? These are dangerous criminals we're up against."
Ketsui narrowed her eyes. "Confident enough." That was a flat out lie and she knew it. She didn't know who these people were, but she knew they were strong. She was charging in blind—something she was taught never to do unless on one occasion.
Perhaps it was now?
"This is a letter for you." Reborn began, handing Tsuna an envelope with a red wax seal.
"From who?" Tsuna questioned fearfully and Reborn smirked.
"Vongola the Ninth."
Tsuna instantly recoiled. "T-The ninth?" Ketsui perked up in interest.
Reborn's small hands easily unfolded the paper and he began. "'My dear Vongola the Tenth, I've heard from Reborn about how much you've grown. It seems like the time has come for you to take the next step. I am giving you an order, capture Rokudo Mukuro and the other two escapees and rescue their captive. I wish you luck.'"
"H-Hey! What's with that?" Tsuna exclaimed, looking shocked at the contents of the letter. Ketsui remained dutifully silent, taking into consideration of the Ninth's words.
"'P.S, if you refuse, you'll be treated as a traitor and will be killed—'"
"This has nothing to do with me!" Tsuna cried out, his eyes shut as he sprinted forward and down the hall. Ketsui felt herself move to follow when she paused, taking a deep breath.
The blackette watched as her friend grew to be a blur in the distance and turned to Reborn who was looking after Tsuna with a frown.
"These are the Ninth's orders?" Ketsui questioned softly, touching the strap on her shoulder for strength as she faced Reborn, who turned his dark gaze up to her.
"Yes." Reborn's eyes flickered. "This is Tsuna's job, and a chance for him to prove himself worthy of the title he is meant to inherit."
Ketsui shifted, glancing out one of the school's windows. "He doesn't have to if he doesn't want to."
"It's his duty." Reborn answered, eyeing the girl before him. "But what's yours?"
Ketsui almost smiled, her lips tugging upwards bitterly. "I'm only here to protect Tsuna."
"Do you think you can protect him from everything?" Reborn inquired, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "You're strong, Ketsui. But not that strong. This is what Tsuna has to do, and you can't expect to shelter him from his own destiny."
Ketsui flinched and Reborn took note of the involuntary action. Ketsui shut her eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath. "Be as it may, I will protect Tsuna at all costs. Even if it means taking matters into my own hands."
Reborn let out a small hum. "Just what do you expect to do?"
"Take care of this myself." Ketsui turned on her heel, taking steps away from the formidable baby. "Or at least, make this easier for Tsuna."
Ketsui didn't glance back, for fear of letting Reborn know just exactly what she had in mind. Even though she already knew the baby had most likely caught on.
Her gaze paused on the infirmary door and Ketsui slowed, contemplating the previous events in her mind. There was a nagging sensation in the back of her head and she let out an irritable sigh, pushing the door open and making her way over to the figure sitting up in bed.
"What do you want?" Gokudera sneered, buttoning up his shirt and giving Ketsui a dirty glare. Ketsui gave the silverette a once over, taking in his bandages and wounds, lingering on the spot he had been hit protecting Tsuna and herself.
"You took a hit." Ketsui stated flatly, quick to the point. Gokudera blinked, as if expecting some rude comment on how stupid he was for getting hurt.
"Huh?"
Ketsui rolled her eyes, shifting awkwardly. "You took that hit when I could've blocked it myself." Her eyes flickered up to meet his deep green and she felt her brows furrow. "Why?"
Gokudera blinked once more before letting out a scoff, turning his head to the side. "It was to protect the Tenth, since you do such a lousy job at it."
Ketsui ignored the comment for once. "I should've been hit. I would've been hit. Tsuna would have been fine."
"Like I said," Gokudera snorted, looking faintly irritated. "It was for the Tenth."
"But Tsuna would have been fine if I had been hit." Ketsui persisted stubbornly. "You didn't have to—"
"The Tenth would have been worried if you got hurt!" Gokudera snapped, turning his head to give her a hard glare. "What kind of right hand man would I be if the tenth was disappointed?"
Ketsui stared at him, wide eyed. He took the hit because he didn't want Tsuna to be sad because she got hurt? What kind of logic was that? He should've just let her take the hit!
"So stop asking all these damn questions—"
"Thank you."
"W-What?" Gokudera questioned, looking at Ketsui in shock. The blackette huffed in irritation, turning her gaze elsewhere. "What did you say?"
"Thank you." Ketsui repeated, practically spitting out the words as if they burned her tongue. "I owe you one."
Gokudera stared at the other girl, looking appalled by the turn of events. He blinked twice before coughing into his hand, rubbing the back of his head as he glanced away. "Yeah, whatever."
There was a small moment, that for the briefest second, there was no animosity between the two. No biting words or nasty remarks. Just a quiet, pleasant silence.
"Don't think this makes us friends now, stupid dog."
"D-Don't be stupid!" Gokudera stuttered, his cheeks flushing slightly as he rounded on the girl giving him a dull look. "Who would want to be friends with a street rat like you!"
"You were thinking it weren't you? How stupid, you just took a couple hits, don't get full of yourself." Ketsui chided, and Gokudera's eyes narrowed in a heated glare.
"I would never want to be friends with you, street rat!" Gokudera exclaimed, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "Gah! I should've just let you get hit!"
"You really are stupid."
"Shut up! What kind of gratitude is that?"
"Whatever." Ketsui sighed, moving from her spot and heading calmly towards the door. "See you, stupid dog."
She quietly shut the door to block out the rest of Gokudera's angry shouts and made her way down the empty halls, her eyes narrowing in determination as she ran a hand through her hair, running over her plan in her head.
Showtime.
Kukuyo Land wasn't as hard to find as Ketsui had originally thought.
From the information Reborn had given Tsuna, Ketsui had only needed to confront a few Kukuyo students, and they had easily directed her to where the more 'bad' students would hang out.
The abandoned buildings loomed over her. Broken glass and weeds littered the ground as she maneuvered her way towards the building. She had a feeling she was on track when she found a pathway of students, knocked out cold on the ground, distinctive bruises on their bodies.
Hibari must've been here. Ketsui mused, knowing the wounds since she had them herself. Which means I'm getting close.
A chill ran along her spine as she reached one of the buildings, a gaping entrance in the front due to broken glass. She gripped the strap on her shoulder tightly, sucking a breath as she stepped into her building.
The black sheep had entered the lion's den.
To say she wasn't scared would have been a lie. But to say she wasn't sure of what she had to do would be a lie as well. If it was for Tsuna, she trusted her resolve to get her where she needed to be.
She stepped carefully through the debris, turning away from the path of students and stalking through a different entrance. She could at least try to have the element of surprise on her side.
Black eyes surveyed her surroundings carefully, noting exits and dead ends for future reference if needed. Ketsui paused at a large map plastered on the wall, it was ripped and unreadable in some places, but she was able to find out that she was in one of the outer corridors, that would soon lead to a larger room.
Her gut twisted and she sucked in another breath, taking a guess that the escapees were there. Squaring her shoulders Ketsui continued, eyes narrowed as she slowly neared the large room.
Something furry brushed against her bare leg and she froze, stifling a scream as a mouse darted by. She shuddered and took a step forward, ears alert for any other mice.
Shuffle.
Ketsui paused, turning her head slightly to the left.
Shift.
Too big to be a mouse, a raccoon?
A low grunt hit her ears and she grew rigid, turning now to face a door in front of her. Ketsui gently placed her ear to the door, listening intently.
She nearly jumped at the sound of labored breaths from the other side and she pulled the door open, tensing for the worst.
Instead, her violin case slipped back onto her shoulders as she stared wide eyed at the scene in front of her.
"...Hibari?"
Cold, slate gray eyes narrowed in an intimidating fashion, nearly sending Ketsui running with her tail between her legs. The prefect's lips curled into an unpleasant scowl and he shifted against the wall he leaned against taking in a heavy breath.
"Herbivore."
Ketsui was stunned into silence, the great and fearful Hibari looked more like a beaten down punching bag at the moment, and she could tell by the annoyed aura and angry glare that he knew it as well. Hibari continued to scowl, as if willing her to go away.
But dark eyes landed on the heavy wounds littered across the beaten down prefect and she was at his side before she knew it, popping open her case and rummaging around for some first aid.
"Herbivore." Hibari repeated, narrowing his eyes further as Ketsui paid him no heed, setting out some bandage wraps and disinfectant.
"Herbivore." Ketsui glanced up at Hibari's growl; meeting annoyed and angered dark eyes stared coldly at her. "What are you doing?"
Ketsui faintly wondered if this was a double question and she shrugged, tugging at the coat slung over his shoulders and getting an open view of his wounds. "Helping you I guess."
Hibari's eyes narrowed, and if he'd been less wounded he'd have quickly chased her out of this area. This was no place for an herbivore like herself, she should know better. This herbivore was stupider than he thought. "What are you doing?"
Ketsui remained silent, carefully wrapping bandages over the larger scratches and covering up the smaller ones. Hibari remained silent, his eyes watching her small hands brush against him from time to time.
Ketsui gave him another once over, satisfied that she had stopped the bleeding of the more dangerous looking wounds and covered up the smaller ones from infection. She resisted the urge to shudder under his stare and glanced up at his face, reaching her hand upwards to his cheek.
Hibari instantly recoiled and seemed to utter a growl of sorts, glaring hard at her, Ketsui's eyes narrowed and she brought her hand back down. "You have one more, a little bit above the ear."
"Leave, herbivore." Hibari ordered, his eyes trying to intimidate her with his stare. "You're crowding."
"I'll leave in just a second," Ketsui sighed, reaching upwards again, and giving Hibari an annoyed stare when he jerked his head away from her again. "Head wounds bleed the most you know."
"Leave." Hibari's tone would have sent her running on a normal occasion, but now wasn't the time. She flashed him a small, almost bitter smile and Hibari faintly stiffened, watching her carefully.
Ketsui reached upwards again, hesitating a moment as her fingers brushed the wet spot where she assumed he had been hit, rather hard she noted. When Hibari made no move to get away she held back a small smile, carefully dressing the wound.
His eyes watched her carefully, calculatingly as she wound the bandage through his hair. "Why?"
It sounded more of an accusation than a question but Ketsui answered it nonetheless. "Why not?"
"You fear me, herbivore." Hibari stated coldly. "What're you doing?"
Ketsui paused mid wrap, meeting his eyes for the briefest second. "Even the lion needed help from the mouse."
Hibari felt his eyes narrow at the strange herbivore who uttered nothing but nonsense. Carnivores didn't need help from herbivores. It wasn't how things were supposed to go. But again, the herbivore managed to break the laws.
"Besides," Ketsui looked him in the eyes, a trickle of fear but coated in complete and utter determination. "If you get hurt, who'll protect Namimori?"
Finishing the wrap with one last tug Ketsui stood, slinging her case onto her back. Hibari watched her with narrowed eyes as she walked past him towards the other door. "Herbivore. Leave."
Ketsui paused, a few feet from the door. She turned her head to the side and for once, maybe just this once, gave Hibari a small smile. The prefect stiffened as she glanced away. "I'll be fine."
"It wasn't an option, herbivore." Hibari snapped, beyond annoyed with how this situation was going, and even more annoyed that he couldn't do anything about it in his current state. "Leave. This is a carnivore's job."
Ketsui paused, her hand on the door knob, and she had a faint suspicion that once she left this room, there really was no turning back.
Hibari's words rang in her head and she gave him a grin, her eyes flashing in the faint light that streamed through a crack in the wall.
"Then leave it to the omnivore."
Sparing Hibari one last glance, oblivious to how his eyes widened a fraction, Ketsui opened the door and stepped out into the darkness.
She had followed the map the rest of the way and came to a halt at the very front of the wide room, standing at an angle so she could see everything around her.
Ketsui had arrived at the large room, and was met with nothing but an eerie silence. Broken windows shed some light at certain angles, but corners and halves of the room remained black.
She really was going in blind.
She gave the room another once over, some part of her wondering if maybe they wouldn't be as easy to find as she thought. Ketsui frowned; she would've bet her money that they would've been here.
"Oh? It seems the little lamb is lost."
Her blood ran cold and her body tensed as she whirled around, facing the direction of the voice. Ketsui soon found that to be difficult as the voice echoed off the walls, seeming to coming from every direction.
"Keh. This is the one you were so interested in?" A voice sneered, and Ketsui glanced to her left, narrowing her eyes as she gripped her case.
"Keep quiet, Ken." A monotonously familiar voice muttered and Ketsui stiffened, turning to the right. "You should be going now anyways, they're almost here."
They're. Ketsui paused, biting her lower lip. She would've thought she had more time to finish things up as much as possible before Tsuna came, but it seemed that it would be a lot harder than she thought.
"Now, now," The first voice mused, like silk on her ears, sickeningly smooth. "We shouldn't be rude to our guest."
Ketsui's eyes stopped dead center of the room, where a couch laid slightly slumped the ground, ripped in some parts of the cushion. She caught sight of legs clad in the Kukuyo uniform, but the upper half remained hidden in the shadows.
"To what do we owe the pleasure, Miss Tatsudoshi?" The voice nearly purred and Ketsui narrowed her eyes, taking a step forward. Something tingled in the back of her head, and she couldn't help but find the voice achingly familiar.
"So you know my name," Ketsui murmured, sparing the two she knew to be hiding to her left and right a glance. "Mr. Rokudo."
"Oya," She could hear a smirk on his lips. "I would expect no less from the loyal guard dog of the Vongola."
"I think you've got it wrong." Ketsui muttered, taking a step forward so she was no longer backed against the wall. So his target was the Vongola. "That position is already taken."
"Kufufu, is that so? Then where do you stand, little lamb?" Ketsui paused, turning slightly. It had sounded as if the voice was behind her now, but the person remained unmoving in front of her.
Why did that laugh sound so familiar?
"My loyalty is to one person alone," Ketsui answered calmly, watching the shadows as the figure in front of her shifted, resting his elbows on his knees. "I could be asking what your goal is though. Targeting innocents is a little low."
"All for a greater cause," She caught sight of a smirk this time. "You claim to be on different standings with the mafia, no?"
Ketsui shifted, her eyes watching the figure in front of her carefully. This man was dangerous. The air in the room and the way he held himself screamed that to her. But he was also the man that had left Hibari in such a state, and she knew her combat skills were barely on par with the prefect's.
"What of it?" Ketsui questioned, following the shift of his hands as she eyed the smirk in front of her.
"A neutral party then?" Mukuro mused, lacing fingers together, watching as she tilted her head slightly. "Then what can I do for you, little lamb?"
Ketsui gave a one shoulder shrug, also shifting the violin case to a loose and easy to grab position. "I'm only here to put a stop to al the attacks. They're making my job a lot harder you know."
Mukuro let out a small hum, and Ketsui strained to make out his face amongst the shadows. Like this, she wouldn't be able to read his expressions and figure out what was going to happen next.
"Ketsui Tatsudoshi." Ketsui whirled around, tensing as the voice that had just been above her ear disappeared. "But another slave to destiny, no?"
Her back grew rigid but she forced herself to calm down. He was playing at her nerves. He knew nothing about her, no one did, and he was just testing things out, trying to get information out of her.
"I'd rather not play mind games," Ketsui admitted, slipping out the first weapon she came into contact with. The mid sized knife felt cool in her palm, its rugged hilt forming a strong grip. "And I'd prefer if things managed to stay civilized."
"Kufufu, I have no intention of hurting you, my little lamb." Mukuro purred, and though the figure in front of her remained seated, she felt a breath ghost over her ear. "You're far to interesting to let slip away."
"Funny." Ketsui muttered, her voice devoid of amusement. "You sound like you know everything about me."
"Do I?" Mukuro questioned, and Ketsui stiffened at the feel of fingers brushing along her nape. "Namimori student. Parents mafia born. And most importantly, best friend to Tsunayoshi Sawada, the Vongola Decimo."
"You know a lot about me," Ketsui admitted, not moving her gaze from the figure. "But I know nothing of you. I can't even see your face."
"Forgotten me already?" Mukuro let out a chuckle, and Ketsui tensed as the figure stood, taking a step from the shadows. "I'm hurt, little lamb."
Ketsui blinked in surprise, taking in the sight of heterochromatic eyes and the same pineapple style fashioned hair. She took a step back, eyeing him in shock. "You're..."
"It was amusing," Mukuro hummed, taking a calm step towards her, and Ketsui quickly noticed this, taking a step back. "To have met you so soon. I didn't expect to find you so easily."
"What's so great about me?" Ketsui questioned, catching her breath as her eyes locked onto his. While the blue remained calm, the red seemed to gleam almost devilishly, the kanji for one imprinted on it.
"You and I aren't very different," Mukuro began calmly, and Ketsui found herself unable to move, mesmerized by his gaze, which seemed to penetrate straight through her. "Tied to a fate we didn't want."
"What do you know?" Ketsui bit back, feeling her defenses automatically rise.
"Oh, not much, sadly." Mukuro admitted, smirking in amusement. "I must say, your background is very mysterious. The only information I have is what you've given to me."
That managed to knock her out of his hypnotic stare, and Ketsui felt herself harden. She didn't like the feeling she was getting, it was like she wasn't in control of her own body, her own mind. It felt as if this were all some sort of...
"Illusion?" Mukuro whispered, and she shot forward, whirling around and putting distance between herself and the navy haired man. How he managed to move that quickly was beyond her. "I guess those are my specialty."
Ketsui quickly turned, facing Mukuro, who had moved once more to be in front of her. "You look lost, my little lamb. Can't keep up already? Why, the game's just started."
He didn't move. Ketsui craned her head backwards, glancing out of the corner of her eye. There had been two of him. But how?
"This should be a fair fight," Ketsui growled lowly, narrowing her eyes at him. Mukuro smirked, curling a hand under his chin and watching her in amusement.
"I don't want to fight you, little lamb." Mukuro answered innocently. "If anything, I want you to join me."
"Join you?" Ketsui couldn't help but scoff, this almost seemed cliché to her. "You really expected me to do that?"
"You'd make a lovely addition," Mukuro began simply, a welcoming smile on his face. "Best of all, you'd be able to make your own decision, isn't that what you want? To be free?"
"I somehow doubt the thought of freedom under you." Ketsui answered calmly. "Besides, my fate is already sealed. The choice has been made and I must follow through with it."
Mukuro tsked, shaking his head sadly. "How naïve, little lamb. Such a shame, I thought you would be much more willing to understand."
His gaze sharpened and Ketsui gripped the knife in her hand tighter. "It seems your eyes have yet to be open."
"I can see very well, thanks." Ketsui growled, ignoring the slightly dizzy feeling in the back of her head. "Tsuna is my top priority. I wouldn't leave him like that."
"Perhaps you need a more..." Nonexistent fingers seemed to ghost along her cheek. "Insightful look."
"I don't need anything." Ketsui growled, whirling around and taking a step towards Mukuro, her eyes narrowed. "Now—"
Her body grew rigid and Ketsui's eyes widened slightly, a hand covering her mouth as a vicious cough racked her body. She took in gasping breaths, trying to quiet the sudden onslaught of coughs.
Mukuro watched her silently, the corner of his lips twitching upwards in a sly smirk. "My, my, it seems my little lamb isn't as strong as she appears."
Ketsui shut her eyes, taking in a shuddering breath as she struggled to stand. Her gaze made its way up to Mukuro's gleaming eyes and she gave a grunt, feeling her vision grow hazy.
Not now. She pleaded, watching his lips curl in amusement. I can't go down like this. This is pathetic! Why now?
"I'd hate to play on a weakness like this," Mukuro began soothingly, taking slow, languid steps towards her, and Ketsui struggled to take some back, stumbling every now and then.
"Cheater." Ketsui mumbled, trying to keep her footing as another cough racked her body. "That's dirty."
"Oya," Mukuro smirked, now an arm's length away, and Ketsui was out of room to move. "Who said we had to play fair?"
Thousands of questions ran through Ketsui mine, but most of all, she cursed herself repeatedly. She had underestimated the enemy. She had thought she could walk in and do some damage, and now she was the one on the verge of collapsing.
Tsuna. She grit her teeth and stood, using the door behind her to prop herself upwards, her grip tight on the knife. She couldn't fail him like this.
Though she managed to keep her grip, her vision grew hazy as she weakly lifted her arm, taking a stumbling step forward. Mukuro's lips formed a sly smile as he reached upwards, covering her hand with his own.
Ketsui shuddered at the touch, his hand almost achingly cool as she struggled to breath, her chest tightening painfully as she held back another cough. Mukuro entwined his fingers through hers, gently prying her fingers from the knife.
The sound of the weapon hitting the floor made a dull thud in Ketsui's ears as she weakly pulled her hand back, unable to tear her unfocused gaze from Mukuro's glowing eyes.
"What's wrong?" Mukuro questioned, his lips curled into a smirk. "You don't look to well, little lamb. Perhaps you should rest?"
"Like...hell." Ketsui scowled, vainly trying to tug her hand away from the man in front of her.
Move. Her mind chanted, trying to regain any form of energy. You can't...!
"Hush." A silky voice whispered into her ears, causing Ketsui to blink tiredly, stumbling a bit as Mukuro watched her, his eyes glowing with amusement. "You should rest, little lamb."
Did he have access to her mind now too? Ketsui wondered weakly, focusing all of her strength into staying up. Was she really this weak? Could she do nothing?
She felt her conscious slowly slip from her grasp and Ketsui turned her gaze upwards, giving Mukuro one final glare before her knees buckled under her and she fell forward.
Arms enveloped her small frame and tugged her closer. Ketsui struggled to remain conscious, hearing her ragged breaths as she leaned against a firm chest. She felt Mukuro shake with his laugh and she tried to push herself away, for she'd much rather collapse onto the floor than in his arms.
A hand came and brushed against the side of her face almost tenderly, and Ketsui was stunned for a moment that the man who had beaten and bruised Hibari was so...gentle.
Probably going to kill me later. Ketsui thought with a grimace, feeling her eyes slowly shut. Damn it. I couldn't do anything.
Tsuna...
"Sleep." Mukuro murmured.
And with that, her world faded to black.
Man, it's about time I got an update in for this story! :D Sorry for the long wait guys! I've finally gotten he time to update this story and I plan on keeping the updates going!
It would seem our dear Ketsui has fallen into Mukuro's clutches. :O What will become of our unwilling heroine? Stay tuned for the next update!
A special thanks to all the reviewers and favoriters and alerters! I apologize for the long wait and making it seem as if this story would be discontinued, but I plan on keeping this one going! :) Thank you all so much for all the kind reviews and words of encouragement, I promise not to leave you all hanging to long next time!
Again, thanks for all the support! Now all I can ask is that you...
REVIEW!
Marshmellow-
-OUT!